8. JEREMY MATHIEU, Barcelona
After years of relying on a thin defensive unit, Barcelona changed course and reinforced its squad by signing Jeremy Mathieu from Valencia for 20 million euros ($27 million) and Thomas Vermaelen from Arsenal for 19 million euros ($25.4 million) more. Given Vermaelen's history of injuries, Mathieu is set to be Gerard Pique's partner.
Barcelona's newly signed French soccer player Jeremy Mathieu poses while wearing his new jersey during his presentation at Camp Nou stadium, in Barcelona July 24, 2014. [Photo/Agencies] |